Man In Strip Club Arrested After Incident

BERLIN — A strip club customer was arrested Sunday night after a loaded handgun fell from his waistband near the dance floor during a scuffle with other patrons, police said.

The man, Christopher B. Hill, 29, of Middletown, was charged with breach of peace and carrying a firearm while under the influence. Hill was released on a $5,000 no-cash bond and is due in Superior Court in New Britain on June 28.

The incident, which occurred at 9 p.m. at the Infrared Cafe, 237 New Britain Road, is still under investigation by the police and by the state Liquor Control Commission, which regulates businesses that serve alcohol.

Jack Suchy, director of liquor control with the state Department of Consumer Protection, said Tuesday that the case has been referred to an agent, who will determine whether liquor control rules were violated.

The club had a closed sign on its door Tuesday. It was not clear who closed it or why, and for how long it might be closed. Kenneth Pina, manager of the cafe, did not return a reporter's phone call.

Dorian Overtonof Middletown, the club's DJ, said Tuesday he's not certain when he will begin working again.

``As far as I know its going to be closed two weeks,'' Overton said during a telephone interview. ``I was told I would get a phone call when the place reopens.''

Police confiscated Hill's pistol permit and the weapon, a 9mm semiautomatic Makarov pistol. The gun, which had one round in the chamber ready to fire and seven more rounds in a magazine clip, was picked up from the floor by a customer and given to the bartender during the fight, police said.

According to police records, Hill arrived at the club with several friends and family members Sunday. Hill's brother, Willie, told police a man wearing a green Celtics shirt provoked a fight with Hill.